An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Namjoon was on the brink of returning early from a lonely solo trip in a sailboat off the coast of Jeju, until a pink-haired mermaid named Jimin swims up to his boat and offers to show him the hidden wonders of the ocean to heal the human's broken soul.
What Namjoon did not expect was to fall for the angelic mermaid during their summer of adventures, nor did he expect for Jimin to fall for him even harder.
Summery: Namjoon and Jimin have been together for only 7 months and it’s been near perfect. The two fit together wonderfully. All changes when Namjoon’s dream job offer slides itself into his inbox. He’d been eyeing the position in Japan for years… It wouldn’t be fair to Jimin to pack up his bags and join Namjoon, but it wouldn’t be fair to Namjoon to try to force him to stay. Instead, Jimin must let him fly.
Pairings: Namjoon (BTS) x Jimin (BTS)
Rating: E for everyone
Warnings: None
Word Count: 3.5k words
Genre: Angst, A touch of fluff
A/N: A big thank you to @bluewhale52 for betaing! Your feedback was soooo helpful!!!!!!!
A/N2: This fic is part of @bangtanwritingbingo’s summer bingo! The prompt for this is “Jimin x Namjoon”!
Song inspiration: Let You Fly by Sunshine State
The sweet fragrance of the flower shop filled Jimin's nostrils as he worked away on a bouquet order. Jimin hummed along to the soft music that played in the background, his mind zeroed in on putting the flowers together in just the right way. Behind him, Namjoon sat at a small table, typing away on his computer. He was supposed to be on a small break, but like the work loving man he was, he was actually clearing out his inbox. Every once in a while, he'd sigh deeply and run his hands through his hair tiredly when he found an email that he actually had to respond to with thought.
Jimin looked over at him, his heart melting as he watched Namjoon type away, hunched over the computer tiredly. This wasn't a traditional date but it was the perfect sort of date for them. Jimin had a few last minute orders to make and deliver and Namjoon always had work he could do so it worked out perfectly. Namjoon came right from work (well he had stopped by a cafe and gotten a few snacks and some coffee for them), set up the fold up table, put on some music, and got right away to work… after a kiss or ten.
Just an hour more of work and then they'd be on the road. Jimin took a deep breath and continued working on his bouquet. Evenings like these were highlights of his week. Small moments like these meant the world to him. He quickly put the finishing touches on this bouquet and started to move around a tad. Quietly, he cleaned up his station before grabbing a glass of water.
"Don't forget to drink some water, sunshine." Jimin said as he set down the water next to Namjoon's computer and softly rubbing his back.
"Thank you," Namjoon sighed and leaned back in his chair, looking at Jimin with a tired smile on his face, his dimples barely peeking out as he smiled, "How are the bouquets going?"
"I am nearing the end! I think we'll be able to deliver them in an hour or so."
"What a perfect stopping point for me!"
"Oh? Nearing the end of your emails?"
Namjoon snorted, "No but I'll give up then."
"After a valiant effort, I'm sure." Jimin said with a laugh, winking quickly as he joked.
"Absolutely. Is my music ok? I would've done our collaborative playlist but I really needed calmer music today."
"It's wonderful. I've been really enjoying it!"
"I'm glad."
Jimin nodded, leaning down and pecking Namjoon before going back to his work table, a warm buzz filling him as he continued to work. Being with Namjoon constantly left Jimin feeling a soft buzz throughout his body, it seeped into him like how warm drinks heat you up from the hands and stomach. Sometimes it was like a mulled wine that made him feel hot and heady, other times it was like coffee that made him energized and ready for the day ahead, and on nights like tonight, it was like a calming jasmine tea that relaxed and calmed him. In the time that they'd been together, Namjoon had never ceased to amaze Jimin.
After finishing his final bouquet and cleaning his work space, Jimin leaned on the table and looked over at Namjoon. Flowers surrounded Namjoon like a halo of sunlight, hugging tightly to him. He seemed at home with the many floral arrangements as they egged on his challenging work. It made Jimin's heart flutter. They may have only started dating a few months ago, but Namjoon seemed to fit into Jimin's life so perfectly. He should make a bouquet for Seokjin who set them up and maybe a thank you letter to the head of his department who hasn't fielded Namjoon any job offers from out of SNU's Seoul campus.
had to kiss a lot of frogs before you came along
... Would it be too soon to say he loved Namjoon?
Excitement buzzed through Jimin from where he sat nestled into Namjoon's side, looking out from his spot in the booth to watch his friends talk. Jimin was sipping on a beer laughing as Jungkook started a long story. His eyes were wide and he threw his arms around wildly as he spoke about how serious Hoseok was with shopping.
"It was honestly scary!" Jungkook concluded.
Hoseok laughed and shook his head, "Clothes are a serious topic."
"I would disagree."
"Well Jungkook-ah, you only dress in black so I don't know if you have much ground in this conversation." Jimin said with a laugh.
"Woah! Where did that voice come from?" Jungkook asked, raising his head to intentionally look over Jimin with a mischievous grin.
Namjoon laughed, earning a small slap and eye roll from Jimin, "You're supposed to be on my side, hyung!"
"I'm always on your side, my little Kuroshimae."
Jimin giggled, hiding his face in Namjoon's side as their friends groaned.
"I don't even know what that is, Namjoon-ah." Seokjin said with a sigh.
"Sea sheep!"
"I regret introducing you two."
Yoongi gently pushed against Seokjin, "That's a lie and we both know it."
Namjoon's phone lit up an urgent message notification showing, "Is it ok if I quickly check this message?"
"Sure! I'll get rounds for everyone while you do!" Hoseok said, jumping out of the booth.
"Let me join you!" Taehyung said, quickly scurrying behind Hoseok toward the bar.
Whining as Namjoon grabbed his phone from the table, Jimin looked around the restaurant to give Namjoon space to read the email.
A sharp intake from Namjoon made Jimin look back, "I got a job offer to work for the Oceanography Society of Japan."
It felt like a cold bucket of water washed over Jimin as he looked at Namjoon process the information. Did Namjoon even realize that he said that out loud?
Jimin was frozen as he watched Namjoon finish reading the email. The rest of the restaurant faded away and all he could see was Namjoon and all he could think about was Namjoon got the job he'd been wanting.
Namjoon would leave Jimin, fly to another country, and live there. He'd talked about the possible position when they'd started dating, Jimin knew it was an option, but after two months, they'd both figured that it wasn't going to happen.
Six months later and they decide to accept him?
"Are you ok, Jimin-ah?" Namjoon asked, his eyes wide as he gently touched Jimin's shoulder.
Their friends were looking at them. They couldn't talk about this now, maybe tonight or tomorrow they will but not now.
Taking a deep breath in, Jimin smiled, "I am. Congrats on the job offer, sunflower. I'm so proud of you."
Those words stung Jimin like thorns on roses and once again he was faced with the fact that Namjoon would be leaving him.
pack your bags leave it all for a country far away the job that you'd been dreaming of was calling
Namjoon had tears in his eyes when he spoke, "Thank you. Let's talk about it later?"
Somehow the night progressed painfully slow. Neither Jimin or Namjoon spoke much and soon enough the two were saying good night in the parking lot. Their kisses were slow and sad, tears mixing together.
"Let's talk about my job offer later this week? It's pretty late."
"That sounds like a plan." Jimin said quietly, hugging Namjoon tightly. He took a deep breath and gathered up his courage, "And Namjoon hyung?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Jimin."
It wasn't the end, but it felt like they were nearing a goodbye.
He was trying to ignore the upcoming conversation with Namjoon by taking extra care of his plants. It was time for most of them to be watered anyways so extra care and a little propitiating was a good thing to throw himself into.
If tears weren't so salty then maybe he would've used his tears to water them instead of tap water.
Taking care to measure out the amount of fertilizer to add to the water, he tried not to focus on Namjoon.
Namjoon.
had to kiss a lot of frogs 'till you finally came along but now we don't have a lot of time to work with
He was such a wonderful boyfriend. In many ways, it felt like Namjoon had slotted into Jimin's perfectly. Jimin treasured their relationship so much and now?
Would they be able to make it?
Fuck… he'd poured too much fertilizer into the water.
As Jimin added more water to the pot, he felt his throat close up as more tears threatened to spill at the same speed as the tap water rushed out of the faucet.
Plants.
Jimin was trying to focus on plants. Taking a shaky breath, he lifted the pot and started to slowly walk around and check the plants. It was becoming easier until he came to Rex, his Begonia Rex, who was sitting proudly in a beautiful ceramic pot that looked like a stack of books. Rex was thriving, new growth sprouting all over and leaves a beautiful deep red.
Namjoon had gifted Jimin Rex.
Namjoon often helped Jimin take care of his plants.
How many plant dates would the two have?
The last one they had was a month ago when Jimin finally decided to repot some of his plants. It was full of laughs and gentle touches.
It was when Namjoon gave him Rex.
Was that going to be their last plant date?
Why did Jimin have to get so attached to Namjoon?
They both knew this was a possibility… but… damn it. Jimin caught feelings. He was in deep.
it hadn't been very long at least according to my closest friends. "Watch your heart. Take it slow. Have some fun." Is all they say but I'm still spending all the time I can with you
Jimin sighed, looking at Rex.
Would this be all he'll have of Namjoon soon?
Could he handle a long distance relationship? Could Namjoon?
A choked sob left Jimin and was absorbed in his plant filled living room. It was all so so much.
This was so so much.
The picnic blanket was full of some of Jimin’s favorite food: kimbap, mandoo, and gaeran mari. All made with care by Namjoon who, through their couples classes, had been getting so much better with cooking. Jimin didn’t know if he could stomach any of them. Just looking at the beautiful display, made Jimin’s heart hurt with how much care Namjoon had clearly put into the piece. It seemed Namjoon was feeling similar. He'd eaten one Kimbap piece slowly but hadn't touched anything since, the display still looking pretty and organized despite them having laid out the food almost twenty minutes ago.
They were looking out at the other people in the park. It was a bright and sunny day, and it seemed that many people had flocked to the park for some sun and warmth. Someone was playing frisbee with their dog, the two excitedly running around. At one point, the two were rolling around in the grass, the person’s laugh loud and happy. A gaggle of children were playing tag, giggling and shouting plans to each other. People were biking around.
Just last month they’d planned to do a bike trip together…
Today would have been a perfect day for that.
Everything seemed to be happy around Jimin and Namjoon and it made Jimin feel worse, like they were a stain of sorrow on a bright and happy place. They were like a metaphorical blackcloud in the park.
wish the sun could make you stay
Namjoon sighed, "I think I'm going to take the job offer, Jimin-ah."
Jimin's mouth felt dry at Namjoon's statement. It was exactly what Jimin was expecting but it still felt like an icy cold hand was gripping his heart, wringing it of all its warmth. His eyes stung with budding tears as he looked around, willing himself not to cry as he watched the dog run after the frisbee, running excitedly.
"I want you to. At least, if I was the only reason for you to stay here… I wouldn’t want that. If you had… if you had other reasons to stay then that's a different story." Words caught in Jimin's throat like thick mucus and his slow mind wasn't helping with trying to speak. He reached out and grabbed Namjoon's hand, rubbing it gently and trying to memorize it (who knew how many times he’d see Namjoon’s hands again).
He didn't have the energy or heart to look at Namjoon's face, though.
"I want… Do you want to try long distance? I… I care for you so much, I don't want this to be the end of our relationship. Of us." Namjoon’s voice cracked as he spoke.
"I want to." Jimin felt tears pooling in his eyes as he started to speak, "I'm worried about us though. I don't want this to be a goodbye."
Namjoon gently squeezed Jimin's hand, "I don't either… It does feel like a goodbye though," He sighed, "I also don’t want us to have a bitter goodbye down the line… I want to make us work."
it's so hard to say goodbye and when I do, I want to cry
Jimin looked up, his eyes momentarily focusing on the bright sun and lazily moving clouds behind Namjoon before they focused on him. Namjoon's eyes were red, his cheeks glistening with tears. Shakily, Jimin let go of Namjoon's hand and cupped his face, wiping away some of the tears with his hand.
Jimin cooed and pecked each Namjoon's salty cheeks, "We'll make this work, hyung. I promise." He captured Namjoon's lips in a gentle kiss.
It warmed Jimin gently, his body alight in a calm hug of heat. Namjoon pulled Jimin closer, humming quietly into the kiss.
"I love you, my Kuroshimae." Namjoon said when they pulled apart, their faces still a short distance apart. Jimin giggled and scrunched up his nose as Namjoon's breath, laced with egg and spam, fanned across his face.
"I love you too, but your breath is stinky."
Namjoon leaned back at that, laughing loudly, "I'm sorry. Now, how do we want to make this work? I'd feel better if we had a bit of a plan before I left."
Jimin hummed, nuzzling into Namjoon as he started to speak, "When will you be leaving."
"They want me there to start asap, so in two or so weeks." Namjoon said, his voice cracking as he spoke.
Jimin nodded and sighed, looking out at the park and all the happy park goers as more tears budded in his eyes. This would be a long and hard conversation.
His favorite show, W, was playing in the background as Jimin meticulously punched holes in the envelopes, a nice stack of twenty already growing on his desk. All around him was mess from a three day frenzied project to make a gift for Namjoon's apartment in Japan. Well it wasn't really a gift for his apartment as much as it was a gift for Namjoon.
A large floral binder that'll hold 210 envelopes with letters and affirmations. He'd seen gifts like these for parents and friends and had taken to doing it for Namjoon as. Hopefully it'll help comfort Namjoon when he is missing Jimin.
Jimin was rushing to finish putting the gift together. He'd spent so much time on the actual letters that organizing them and putting them nearly into all the envelopes had fallen to the wayside, and now he only had two days to slip it into one of Namjoon's suitcases before the flight. Hopefully he'll be able to put it in an already packed one so that Namjoon won't notice that there was a giant lump in his suitcase that he hadn't packed.
Namjoon was leaving painfully soon and it hurt. They'd been spending much time together as if that'd make up for the months they'll be apart for. In Jimin's heart, he knew that no matter how much time they spent together, the distance wouldn't be easy. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought. Namjoon was a source of warmth and comfort in every way. His hugs were like a second home, his dimpled smile a candy that he constantly craved, his voice a soothing song that calmed all of Jimin's nerves.
Would Jimin break because of the distance?
Would they survive?
Jimin felt cold at the idea of them not lasting the distance. He wanted them to last.
He sighed, looking at the envelopes he still had to hole punch and put letters in. The stack was big… if only Namjoon didn't take the job.
If only Jimin begged for him to stay… maybe they wouldn't be in this situation. Maybe they'd be cuddling up together, thinking about renting an apartment together once their current leases were up.
But Jimin couldn't do that. He wouldn't. This was a dream job for Namjoon and trying to keep him here would only breed resentment between them.
it's so hard to say goodbye and when I do I want to cry but I've got to let you fly
The car was quiet, neither Namjoon or Jimin having energy to make conversation or the will to put on music. It was a stark contrast to the goodbye party their friends hosted just before this and despite the silence being somewhat painful, Jimin was thankful. The excitement and noise from the party was a lot and he needed a reprieve before saying bye to Namjoon.
If Namjoon had found the binder of letters Jimin made, he didn't make any comment. Similarly, Jimin found a large wrapped gift hidden under his bed that Namjoon had most definitely snuck in and he chose not to comment.
He'd open it when he got home from their airport. It would be a kind comfort, a ghost of a hug that Jimin already knew he'd want.
"Oh-- My Kuroshimae, I think you missed the turn," Namjoon looked at the map on his phone, "Yep."
"I-- We're having an adventure. One more adventure for the time being."
Namjoon laughed and nodded, "Alright then, the directions are saying that the next turn will be two blocks away then."
"If you didn't have to be three hours early, I'd suggest we take a few more wrong terms." Jimin said with a giggle.
Namjoon shook his head with a smile, "I'd totally egg you on. Next time though!"
Butterflies erupted in Jimin's stomach at the thought. They've had many a long drive because one of them took the wrong term and they chose to go with it, turning up their road trip playlist and singing excitedly as they drove along.
Oh, how much fit into the six months they've been together.
we walk and we laugh like we'll always be together as we take one step closer to the edge but we still pretend
Despite the wrong turn, the two made it to the airport in good time, quickly parking and unloading Namjoon's things into a cart. The airport towered over them powerfully as they walked towards the entrance. The two anxiously got in line for plane tickets and baggage drop off, their hands tightly clasped together despite the sweat and condensation that was amounting.
All too soon, Namjoon got his bags checked and his tickets. Jimin's gut twisted as a wave of nausea washed over him.
"I hope you have a safe flight."
"I will. I'll threaten the pilot just to be sure. I'll tell them that my Kuroshimae wants me to have a safe flight." Namjoon said with a small laugh.
"I'm sure that'll work." Jimin sighed and kissed Namjoon softly, hoping to keep the memory of Namjoon's kiss in his mind for as long as possible, "You'll rock this job. I just know it."
"Thank you. I love you, Jimin-ah."
"I love you too, Namjoon hyung."
Jimin watched as Namjoon disappeared in the airport, tears quietly flowing and his heart aching. It was cold when he made it back to his car and left the airport. Even his apartment felt cold, no matter how many sweaters or blankets he was wrapped in.
Jimin's apartment was empty when he entered, tired after a long day of deliveries. In his hands was a fat stack of mail that he was excitedly flipping through, mindlessly taking his shoes off and putting on slippers as he walked further into his apartment.
Spam. Bills. Coupons.
It was all mundane letters and most of which he could do without.
He sighed when he didn't find a letter from Namjoon, the bit of excitement he had stored away vanished with the lack of a letter. It must've been delayed in the shipping for one reason or another.
Hopefully it'll come tomorrow.
Dejectedly, he put the letters down on his kitchen table and went to his bedroom, falling face up on his bed and spreading out like a starfish. He reached over for the only stuffed animal he had in his bedroom and hugged it tightly.
It was a jumbo Costasiella kuroshimae holding a sunflower.
"I miss you." Jimin said into the stuffed animal.
it's so hard to say goodbye and when I do I want to cry but I've got to let you fly
